We're going to the Top of the World with twelve people next month. Would it be gauche to ask for separate checks (six of them!)

Some restaurants would not honor such a request. I suggest you call first and ask so you know what to expect.

I have found that if I ask for seperate checks, I usually can get them. However, like Mike said, it is best to ask first. There have been times when the restaurant has refused this request after we have been seated. Then you are left with 2 choices. You can accept the single check and divide it up at the end, or leave. Most people prefer the former. I don't think you are out of line requesting the restaurants policy in advance.
Good luck and have fun.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Sorry! But this may cause some animosity among this fine group directed towards me in particular. But ..........

I think it would only be appropriate to ask for six separate checks at the local soda fountain after a High School Freshman Dance.

It shows a lack of something that I can't quite place my finger on without resorting to mass hysteria.

In addition to that, I hate to present my self as a "first class fool" in the presence of waiters and waitresses who will be talking about the fools at table six for weeks to come.

I guess I feel strongly about this, huh?! But I honestly feel that dining out with others calls for a certain amount of "class" that is obviously lacking with a request for ."Separate checks, si vous .....!"

Will,
I do dine out with larger groups from time to time, we always take the check and devide by the number of people in the party, If everyone is going to be paying thier own.
There are instances however, like company expence accounts where each dinner is required to submit a receipt to there respective companies.
I also see nothing wrong with the way you feel and see no reason why you should be worried about speaking your opinion here on TV.
You bring up a very valid point of the waite staff and how maybe some will look & treat people that have such requests.

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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Nothing irks me more, then be part of a group trying to divvy up the bill. I much prefer to ask the waiter for seperate checks before they present the ONE tab. They have a right to be upset, when you ask after the fact.

I have to say that I don't think it's such an offense to ask for separate checks as long as it's in advance. I can't remember a time when I was with a group of people when we didn't do SOMETHING that the waitstaff would laugh or whisper about.

On the other hand I can't remember a time when we didn't do the one check divided routine.

And I agree with RoadRunner. I abhor dividing up the bill. It's like putting on a condom. It puts a major stop to the fun.

Geez, I can't believe I misspelled condom.

[This message has been edited by dirtyricky (edited March 28, 2000).]

That seem like an appropriate comparison.
All thumbs and manuvering, when things should be fun!

I think that sometimes it depends on how close you are to each other. Good friends or family, add on the tip and divide by 6.

However, sometimes you have people who will have cocktails/appetizers and some who don't. Depending on how many cocktails/appetizers and depending on how close the relationships could make a big difference.

I don't see anything wrong with calling ahead of time and making your request. It could stop any resentment with the possible cocktail/appetizer/dessert problem.

I'm thinking here too, aren't their menu prices quite high?

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

I have a menu from about a year ago. Appetizers range from $8.75-$13.50. Soups and salads range from $4.75-$8.75. Entrees range from $21-$32.50. Some come with a potato or vegetable or both, some do not. A side baked potato or vegetable is $5.25 with some vegetables ranging up to $6.75. I don't have a dessert menu but we split the chocolate stratosphere thingy three ways and were full. Portions were more than ample.